Slippery thieves target oil wells

(KSNW) Oil field thefts are on the rise and it's costing companies big money in Cowley County, Kansas.

Sgt. Bruce Hafenstein of the Cowley County Sheriff's Department says thieves are taking their chances on striking gold off brass and copper found in oilfields.

Thieves can cash in pieces of brass or copper for $30, but the damage they cause can cost up to $10,000.

"The damage is much more than just the cost of valve and the fittings. The clean up hiring people to go back out and install it all back its just a lot of money," explains Randy Cates of Cates Supplies.